Competition is heating up in the tablet sector. The iPad is raking in the sales, while the Kindle Fire looks set to capitalise on both the Kindle name and its $199 price tag. As parts become cheaper and developers look to stay ahead, it was only a matter of time before we'd see a cheap tablet pre-loaded with Android 4.0.

Enter the Novo7. A bold move by developers Ainol, the tablet is expected to make waves among the budget-conscious gadget buyer, weighing in at a mere $99. The device has been certified by Google, and while not yet available in the US, the tablet is currently enjoying a Chinese release in the meantime.

So what does $99 get you? A 7-inch tablet with front and rear cameras for a start. Under the hood comes a MIPS-based 1GHz processor, as well as a Vivante 444MHz GPU. In terms of connectivity the Novo7 boasts USB 2.0, HDMI 1.3, 802.11 b/g/n, and a microSD slot. The slab is capable of decoding 1080p video and boasts a low-powered design with an average power of 250mw.

Any tablet that entices more people onto Android is bound to get Google talking. Andy Rubin, head of Android, said in a statement: "Low-cost, high-performance tablets are a big win for mobile consumers and a strong illustration of how Android's openness drives innovation and competition for the benefit of consumers around the world."

A release outside of China is due "within the next several months". Ainol are also preparing 8" and 9" versions for a future release.